News Releases

Burglar Caught in the Act

WINTER HAVEN – When You See Something Say Something! This certainly came into play after a Winter Haven resident helped police catch a vehicle burglary suspect this morning.

On 7-29-16 at approximately 4:30 a.m., a resident in the area of 1550 11st St NE in Winter Haven called 9-1-1 when he spotted someone carrying a flashlight and trying to get into vehicles in the area.

The witness stayed on the phone with dispatch as officers arrived in the area. The citizen gave a clear description of the suspect’s clothing and officers quickly made contact with someone matching the description, 45 year-old Mark Kimbrell (DOB 5-18-71, 180 Central Ave. E, Winter Haven). Officers detained Kimbrell and upon searching him, they found a watch and zip-loc bag of loose coins in his pocket. Officers began canvassing the residents in the area and located the owner of the watch and coins, who determined that their vehicle had been burglarized. Further searching in the area revealed personal boxing equipment on the ground. Again, officers determined that the equipment came from another vehicle that had been burglarized.

The original caller was able to positively identify Kimbrell as the person he witnessed attempting to burglarize vehicles in the area.

“We cannot underscore the value enough of citizens calling in suspicious activity,” said Chief Charlie Bird. “Once again, our alert citizens helped catch a criminal in the act and he is back behind bars where he needs to be.”

Kimbrell has been arrested numerous times on charges that include:

Aggravated Assault

Armed Burglary

Battery

Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon

Grand Theft

Petit Theft

Drug Charges

False ID to LEO

Multiple incidents of Violation of Probation.

Kimbrell was taken into custody and booked into the Polk County Jail on charges of Burglary of Unoccupied Vehicle (F3), Petit Theft – Third Offense (M1) and Resisting Arrest W/O. Violence (M1).